Information

Hickory Valais Shepherds are part of the breed-up program for Valais Blacknose sheep. We focus on bringing the best stock in the United States. Explore what we have to offer and how we can contribute to your success. 

 

 
How the Breed-Up Program Works
  1. Foundation Ewes:
    The program begins with carefully selected foundation ewes of a suitable, hardy breed, such as the Scottish Blackface, which is popular due to its genetic compatibility with Valais characteristics. 
     
  2. Artificial Insemination (AI):
    A skilled reproductive veterinarian uses laparoscopic artificial insemination to inseminate the foundation ewes with frozen semen imported from purebred Valais Blacknose rams. 
     
  3. First Generation (F1):
    The offspring of the foundation ewe and the Valais ram are the first-generation (F1) lambs, which are 50% Valais Blacknose and 50% foundation breed. 
     
  4. Subsequent Generations:
    The F1 ewes (or other foundation-breed ewes) are then inseminated with Valais semen again. 
     
    • F2 Generation: 75% Valais
    • F3 Generation: 87.5% Valais
    • F4 Generation: 93.75% Valais
    • F5 Generation: 96.875% Valais (or higher, depending on the target). 
       
  5. Registration:
    Once a sheep, particularly a ram, reaches a specific percentage of Valais genetics (often the F5 or F6 generation, depending on the registry) and meets the breed's phenotypic standards, it can be registered as a purebred. 

 

 

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